Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. As we attempt to let bygones be bygones in respect of convictions, as the Minister for Justice and Equality was doing, it will be difficult for many of those people to get employment, so self-employment is very important for them. The Minister of State has shown himself to be fully aware of that. I will not be pressing my amendment.

There must be some occupations in which people can engage, given the difficulties they face in trying to get paid employment, otherwise it is almost a case of lock them up and throw away the key. We could create a permanent underclass in society. I am sure that is not the Minister of State's goal.